Tag Archives: locksmith

Lets Talk About Replacement Car Keys




You never think about replacing your car keys until you misplace them, or lose them altogether. If you lost your car keys, don’t worry, you have many options to get new keys, discover your options now. No one is blaming you a recent survey shows that 30% of drivers misplace or lose their car keys at some point. Car keys are notorious for disappearing, they rank 3rd on the top list of most lost items after mobile phones and home keys. Cell phones are easy to locate using GPS technology, and you probably have more than one copy for your home, but not many people have a spare car key, and if they do, they are probably not sure where they put them.

So Let’s Talk About Replacement Car Keys. Here are your options:

1. Contact the Dealership:

Your first and most expensive option. In most cases, car dealerships don’t stock parts, and it will take two weeks for your replacement keys to arrive. Can you get by without your vehicle for two weeks? Add to that bill the expense of towing because most dealerships will require that you “drive” to the nearest branch. Frankly, this is the surest way for car key replacement, but it is also the long and costly. You will also have to show them the ownership documents.

2. You Can Contact Your Breakdown Recovery Provider:

Just in case your provider is able to replace your keys, it will cost you more, especially if the case of lost keys was not covered in the policy. Plus, many recovery companies don’t have the equipment or expertise required to do it themselves, so they will probably hire locksmiths and car key specialists to do it.

3. Claim on Your Vehicle Insurance

Not all insurance companies provide the key replacement option in their policy, but it is worth checking out with them. However, they won’t consider your keys are “lost” until three days has passed, and they may not be covering the recovery cost.

So why not pick the easiest route? The quickest street between two destinations is the empty street, right?

4. Call a nearby auto locksmith:

locksmith-keyboardThis is the real choice. Locksmiths and car key specialists are the ones who got the best deal for you. They also don’t charge for inspection, since they usually have a fleet of vans patrolling the area. They will just start working on your car on the spot, without any delay. It is worth noting the difference between hardware stores and locksmiths. Hardware stores merely copy the keys and aren’t really equipped to create new keys. On the other hand, locksmiths usually got the skills and the advanced machines to do the job. If the car is old, the chances are higher that the locksmith will have less trouble replacing the keys.

If you lost your keys, most likely your best bet is a professional car key specialist like Co Car Keys. He will not only help you create a new one but will help you program it too. So in some way, he becomes your manual, in case you lost your manual with the keys.

5. Search Online:

looking-onlineThis option is for you if you’re a hunter, and want to cover all grounds. Start scouring the internet for aftermarket keys. With some luck and the little prayer, you might find the factory replacement for a slice of the cost you would give to the dealership or manufacturer. This will require patience, and search skills. Search on eBay for established dealers. Search online for car keys replacement specialists. Remember, when your vehicle is old, it is more likely to find replacement keys for it, as professionals would have worked on cars similar to yours many times. Amazon is also a good source to consider.

6. Never Lose Your Keys or Forget Them:

OK, this should have been number one. To avoid losing your keys or losing them.

A) Always lock the car standing while outside the vehicle with they key fob in your hands.

B) Put the keys in your pocket immediately after taking them out of the ignition. Not the purse because you might forget it inside the car.

C) Never put the keys anywhere except the ignition or your pocket. Don’t think you will remember taking them, you won’t.

D) Never ever lock the car with anything except the car keys.

Everything you just read is useless unless you apply it.


With style, safety and security – Weslock Locks




If you love comfort, safety and security within your premises, home or office, you are going to love what Weslock locks have to offer. Aside from the usual “lockup” function of any ordinary lock, these locks will blow your mind from the myriad of purposes they can serve.

From time to time, many people tend to assume that the quality of their door locks does not really matter as long as the valuable items are put away in safes. The fact of the matter is, the reason you lock your doors in the first place is because all your property is valuable, somehow. Why would you compromise your peace of mind by installing substandard lock systems while in real sense you could easily prevent bad situations from happening?

Did you know that burglars prefer to get into houses through the door because it is made easier for them? Ignorance in terms of lock hardware quality encourages burglary. Weslock locks are a revolutionary in the world of security. Here are some of the factors that make the brand stand out and recommendable in any situation.

1. Available in many styles and finishes

WeslockRegardless of your door design or color, Weslock locks are available in a brilliant range of designs, color and purposes. The innovative designs of the locks would easily fit into your door and complement its design and color. You do not have to prioritize your security regardless of design aspect. This lock will easily “kill both birds” at a go.

2. Heavy duty

Worried about how long it would last? No need to give it much thought. The locks are made of strong and lasting material that enhances resilience. So if you are looking for a long term solution lock, rest assured you made an excellent score with Weslock locks.

3. Panic proof mechanism

Time and again situations that require quick exits arise. There is no time to start looking for the keys otherwise your safety is compromised. These locks are the ultimate solutions to such crisis. The design is inclusive of a feature known as a captured key which is on the lock at all times, in case of emergencies you simply use it as an alternative key.

4. High style, security and safety

Weslock DeadboltWeslock locks are fitted with heavy gauge metal strike plates that are firmly held in place by long screws. Apart from the aesthetic property of the strike plate, it makes the whole door kick-in resistant.
In addition, the locks are also equipped with hardened steel chips that make the lock anti-drill. Most intruders opt to drill through locks if they are not in a position to kick the door in. Discover your peace of mind knowing that they cannot get through these locks.

5. Key control

Many times we our busy schedules get us distracted that we misplace our keys or leave them lying around strategically for anyone who could potentially duplicate these keys and gain easy access to your premise. Fortunately, Weslock locks are designed in a way that only very specific locksmiths can make copies of keys for these locks. In case you are worried about that house help you fired coming to burglarize you, breath. It will not work out for them.

6. Waterproof

For instances where key card locks are required, these locks are crafted waterproof to prevent damage or accidents. They provide warranty for good quality services therefore worth every penny you pay for.

With functions ranging from;

I) Keyed entry: Knob or lever on both inside and outside but usually unlocked from the outside. Most preferred for exterior doors.

II) Privacy knob sets: Knobs or levers on both outside and inside but usually not lockable. These are used for separating doors where privacy is not an issue.

III) Passage knob sets: Unlocked from the inside with the aid of a push-button but can be unlocked from the outside with an emergency key. Suitable for rooms that require privacy.

IV) Single dummy: The knob or lever placed does not turn. Typically used for show.

With ease of use, versatility and high dependency, the Weslock locks are definitely in the spotlight not only for their protective functions but also timeless excellence in style and quality. Consider your days of sleepless nights and utter frustrations due to substandard products over. You do not have to wait one more night, you know what to do. And as a sidenote, locksmiths are well equipped at rekeying or replacing Weslock locks if you are ever in need.


Why Dealerships Are The Wrong Choice For Car Key Replacement




A majority of car owners usually value their car keys. Not having their car keys, means that they cannot have access to their vehicles nor drive their vehicles. Nonetheless, every now and then most car owners tend to either misplace or lose their car keys. If you do not have a spare car key, then losing your car key will not only inconvenience you but also it can be exceedingly frustrating. There are specific places where car owners are likely to lose their car keys such as market places, counters and many other places.

 

If you happen to misplace or lost your car keys, you can be tempted to contact a car dealership service provider. However, contacting a car dealership is not advisable due to many reasons. Instead, you should acquire the services of a professional locksmith who will replace your car keys at a slightly lower cost. For individuals who possess a new car model, then chances are that you may have noticed that a special computer chip has been integrated into the vehicle. If you are not sure as to whether your car has a transponder chip inside, you can ask the automotive locksmith to check out the vehicle.With that being said, here are some of the reasons why dealerships are the wrong choice for car key replacement.

 

Response Time

FastAccidents usually happen when we least expect them. There are cases where you will misplace your car keys just before you leave for work or attend an emergency meeting. Such situations require emergency services so that you may be able to reach work or the meeting on time. Car dealerships are not an ideal choice for such a situation because they may take several days before fixing the problem for you. The best choice for such situations is a professional locksmith who will respond swiftly.

 

High Cost

save  moneyWhen compared with locksmith services, car dealerships are exceedingly expensive. Additionally, a majority of the car dealerships often take advantage of their clients. They tend to charge more than twice of what the clients are expected to pay. The high prices that car dealerships usually ask for is what makes then a wrong choice for your car key replacement. Locksmiths usually offer key cutting services at reasonable prices.

 

Inconveniences

Once you either misplace or lose your car keys, chances are that you will be extremely inconvenienced. If you decide to use car dealership for your car key replacement, then you will be required to provide several documents such as driving license, car registration number and the vehicle identification number. Such requirements are going to greatly inconvenience you especially if you have misplaced or lost your car keys. This is one of the main reasons why car dealerships are not suitable for car key replacement.

Availability

Many at times you are going to realize that your car dealership is not available locally. This will inconvenience you the car owner especially if you want to have the key replaced as soon as possible. In such situations you will be required to travel to another location so that you can have your key replaced.

 

 

Time Consuming

For those who may have used car dealership services then you may have noticed how much time the whole process takes. Many at times, the entire process will take more than two weeks. Since your vehicle is your main mean of transport, then using car dealership will greatly inconvenience you.

 

Personal Touch

Staying in touch with the person who is working on your vehicle is very important. You will be able to ask important questions and receive clarification where possible. Nonetheless, if you decide to use car dealerships, then you will not be able to ask questions because you will not be in touch with the person working on your vehicle.

 

With that being said, the price of cutting or programming keys will vary based on your location, make or model of your vehicle. Like discussed earlier, working with dealerships is extremely costly, thus if you opt to work with them, then you should expect to cough out a good amount of money. All in all, working with an automobile locksmith will ensure that you will save both time and money. Automotive locksmiths can be found within the yellow pages, professional locksmith organizations or online listings. Furthermore, automobile locksmiths are usually dedicated and committed to their work. They will hardly frustrate their clients because they know and understand the value of the customer.


Lock Repair Services Should Be Handled By Experts




In the fast-paced environment of today’s society, versatility is not only a strong quality for business owners to possess, it is necessary for survival. In the competitive and diverse area of locking mechanisms, the Locksmith stands alone as one professional who must adapt and adjust to rapidly improving anti-theft technology. Locksmiths are equipped to handle any lock repair service, in spite of the ever-changing requirements by lock manufactures across all industries. The arsenal of tools, which Locksmiths are forced to carry, may rival in number the most advanced set of specialized devices kept on hand by a variety of surgeons. Covering residential, commercial and automotive requires a seemingly endless supply of service equipment.

The Bathroom Door:

It may be something as simple as a child locking themselves in the bathroom, which used to be a quick fix for most parents. In those days when locks were less sophisticated a pin or an old credit card, might have provided a safety net for the misplaced key. Due to improvements in locking technology, parents may be unable to open that door and actually break the lock, through frantic lock-picking attempts. It is a common phenomenon that keys seem to disappear at the times when their services are needed. When this happens an emergency call to the locksmith could be a matter of safety. With improved durability in many interior doors, “breaking down the door”, is becoming less of an option, even in the case of extreme situations. Expertise and fast response time by a Locksmith might be the only method of ensuring the safe and uneventful reunion between the trapped child and their parents. With assortment of trade specific “picking” devices, locks can either be opened or quickly replaced when time is of the essence.

The Car Keys:

car keyIt seems that warranties for “road side assistance” and memberships in specialized organizations have a “secret expiration date.” Many times the necessary renewal date is only recognized, when the keys are locked in the ignition and the phone call for help serves as an, “after-the-fact” reminder. Even in inclement weather conditions, Locksmiths are able to quickly respond with a variety of customized devices, necessary to gain access to a massive offering of auto makes and models. The value of their skill and expertise which allows Locksmiths to open car doors in only a matter of seconds, most often provides a better solution than permanently damaging the door by trying to gain access with novice tools or lack of experience. The highly specialized “scopes” for seeing inside of doors and “gator” devices, used to replace actual car door locks, make the Locksmith approach a more damage-resistant school of thought.

Exterior Door Locks:

Kwikset commercialThe highest appreciation of the efforts of Locksmiths might be recognized in either the need to replace a broken lock after a burglary or repair a damaged lock which prevented an attempted entry into a home. Safety and peace of mind experienced, by hiring a professional Locksmith to create a solid fortress, via quality locking devices, might be well served in an advanced preparatory philosophy as opposed to an after the fact, regret. Periodic exterior lock servicing and inspection by a Locksmith might even safe money in either lock replacement or loss due to theft.

Re-keying Locks:

Re-keying locks, to ensure security from lost keys is one of the most common tasks for the Locksmith. With emphasis being placed on high quality locks, designed to last many years, often only the core needs replacing and a new set of keys provided. Locksmiths are regularly dispatched for quick and inexpensive re-keying procedures which create safety and peace for commercial and residential clients. With the increase in technology being equally advantageous to the criminal as the knowledge of break-in prevention is for the Locksmith, it is the business owner who needs to remain ahead of the race, by regularly scheduled security updates. Maintaining a long-lasting relationship with a local Locksmith could be the most significant security decision made by many business owners.

Feeding Demand with Knowledge:

Basic Locksmith skills have been a constant for many centuries. Realizing the fact that Locksmiths are equipped to handle any lock repair job, much more emphasis has been placed on training regimens and workshops necessary to operate the latest tools and devices. In a span of only a few years the tools of the trade will certainly require many more additions to the collection. Few professionals offer the type of comprehensive services provided by Locksmiths. In a “specialist-driven” society, “Smiths” may stand almost alone as the obvious exception.


Why it is a Good Idea to Have Your Locks Rekeyed




A surprising number of homeowners don’t know when or why they need to have their home or business locks rekeyed.In some states, if you have a rental home you are legally required to rekey the lock before new tenants can live in the apartment or rental home.

So what is rekeying a lock? It involves changing the tumblers of a lock’s cylinder so that the old key won’t work on the door. Some people try to do this themselves when they should use a local locksmith. Not only are they likely to break the lock but they can face the challenge of pieces flying everywhere.

When do you need to consider whether to rekey a lock? There are some situations where it is crucial to ensure your locks are rekeyed. If you have just moved into a home, you’ll feel in a more secure situation with a rekeyed door. You may not know how many of the old keys are out there so rekeying is the safest and most secure option after buying a new home. Even if the home were built by a construction company, there could be special keys which the building crew used and which will still open the residential door. Why take a chance?
But be sure you go with a professional locksmith. There are a number of reasons to consider when rekeying a lock. If you have ever had any keys made for you especially for your house but you can’t account for the, rekeying them could be a wise move, especially when you compare buying a new lock.
These professionals can help you out of numerous jams and can, in general, make your life a little easier as you navigate down your path. A good lock industry professional can do more than get you into your car or home if you are locked out. A good lock industry professional can also help you simplify your world by making sure that all your locks are working properly and that you have only the keys you need to open the locks in your life and on your property.

lock repairRekeying locks are one of the most common jobs that a lock industry profession provides to people on a regular basis. Rekeying locks become necessary when you are moving to a new place if someone moves out of your current place and if you lose your keys. Rekeying a deadlock is about the same as changing a deadlock.

There are different types of locks that a lock industry professional may recommend to you depending on your budget and the situation you’re in when it comes time to rekey your locks. Lock prices can run the gamut from very inexpensive to very expensive. Your locksmith can greatly help you choose the best lock for your needs, and they may have some strong recommendations. Often the more expensive locks are recommended by lock industry professionals if you are in a situation where you have to change locks more often.

corbinThe more expensive locks have a removable core. This means that rather than remove the exclusive lock when you need to change locks or if you need to rekey the lock, the lock industry professional that you have hired can just change out the heart of the locking mechanism and even replace it with a new one. This means they don’t have to remove the whole piece including the handle and replace it with an entirely new fixture. This option is more expensive up front but is helpful down the road both regarding convenience and cost when it comes time to change the locks again.
When you lock industry professional comes to change your locks or rekey your locks, it is a good time to make sure that all your locks are working together with one key. The accountability of this is often not understood until you’ve had it done. Many people carry more keys than they need to, so if you are already working with someone to change your locks you should ask them to go to the next step and make sure that one key can operate all your necessary locks.

Working with a trusted and respected lock industry professional will allow you to ask some questions and get some great answers that will help make your life just a little more convenient.


A Locksmith Or A Dealership For Ignition Switch Repair?




One of the more significant parts to ensuring the smooth operation of the vehicle includes the ignition system. The ignition is able to trigger the engine cycle that is designed to drive the vehicle forward. If you wish to avoid starting problems with the car you want to make certain that the ignition is kept in full working condition.

If you fail to keep on top of maintenance of the vehicle, especially with components like the ignition system, you might soon learn that you are left stranded by the roadside due to complete failure. Basically there is a variety of problems that could cause the ignition problems, but since several components are related to the ignition system, the issues are often rather complex to diagnose.

Below are several of the more common issues that might relate to the faulty car ignition system:

Faulty Ignition Switch: If you find the ignition system isn’t being triggered and the engine is unable to start, the main cause of this is likely to be related to the ignition switch. If you are able to diagnose this problem you will find the best course of action to take to have this issue resolved is having the ignition switch replaced in its entirety.

Dead batteryDead Battery: A common reason for issues with the ignition system relates to the failure or malfunction of the main vehicle battery. It is found that the battery might experience problems as a result of the failure of the alternator which causes the ignition system to fail. By repairing the alternator and having the car battery recharged the problem is likely to be resolved with the ignition system.

spark plugWorn Spark Plugs: A further issue that is often found to cause problems with the smooth operation of the ignition is the spark plugs that are starting to wear out. They can’t be repaired, so it is just a case of having them replaced with completely new parts.

All in all, if you really want to ensure the smooth operation of your vehicle, you want to make certain it is given a periodic vehicle service every so often. In those situations where issues are detected it is highly beneficial if the necessary repairs are carried out as soon as possible. By keeping on top of the maintenance issues you are more likely to make sure the vehicle doesn’t come to a complete stop in the most inconvenient of times.

Various Car Locking Mechanisms:

The complexity of the locking system of your car would also figure prominently in the amount of time it takes to get the car open. Some cars these days come equipped with advanced gadgetry. So if you have a costly car for yourself with state of the art technological features built into it including the locking mechanisms, such as auto locking, burglar proof mechanism that secures the car firmly at the slightest threat of intrusion, you are in for a longer haul. If the burglar alarm is equipped with sirens and flashing lights it all adds to the fun.

If you have advanced gadgetry that dials emergency services number or the police department automatically when the burglar alarms are triggered then the mess thickens.

The sum and substance is that the car locksmith you choose should be aware of most of these things about your car and how to bypass them and get you back inside your steed.

Doing it yourself:

* Some cars have simple locking mechanisms with central locking facilities which are rather quaint and old worldly and can be opened using a long ruler that can be slid in through a gap in the side window. Usually this gap is made by pushing your glass windows down with a lot of physical exertion.
* Once you have your ruler or thin piece of metal or wire inside, you can proceed to flip the unlocking switch in the right direction to unlock your car.
* The main reason why you get locked out in the first place is due to locking functions activated in your car such as automatic child locking, automatic central locking after a fixed time period of keeping the doors closed and other worrisome features.

*In some cars, owing to a highly unappreciated mechanism in place, if your engine is running and you close your doors after getting out, the doors get locked.
* Unlocking your car by yourself is all right as long as you don’t damage the complex lock mechanisms and end up digging a hole in your own pocket in the form of repairing expenses.
* Trusting the unlocking with a car locksmith who knows what he is doing is always the ideal remedy.


Reasons Why A Car Key Is Better Than An Electronic Key




Cars are expensive; therefore, you should protect them from theft. The cool thing is that cars come with different types of locks that provide the necessary protection. Car keys come in different types, but are divided into two main types. The old styles are the traditional metal keys that old car are installed with. The new car models have ones that are equipped with a chip which sends out a code to the car’s computer to start it. The latest models are the ones that are called electronic car keys or fobs and control the car’s ignition and doors.

Other than being very convenient, car keys make your car difficult to steal. This is because thieves can’t hack and start a car that has car key features unlike the electronic keys. Car keys are made out of brass – or so they should be – so they don’t wear your ignition and locks out. If given a steal key, motorists should be aware that both your ignition, locks and key will all wear out faster. Ignitions and locks are also made from steal and the constant friction and rubbing of them with the key will wear them both out leaving the motorists with a three-way replacement which is costly and terribly inconvenient. A brass key should always be sought to avoid this predicament.

A major misconception by motorist and new car owners is that the key starts the car. This is a fallacy as it is actually the chip located in the plastic casing of keys that starts modern cars. This chip is coded specifically to its matched car and without this precise coding, cars will not start, stop working and even stop working mid way through a trip. This can leave motorists thinking that something is wrong with their car rather than their key and can lead to unnecessary mechanical adjustments, replacements and bills.

Car Alarm SystemWhile car alarm systems are usually handled by auto mechanics or dedicated auto alarm experts, most other services relating to auto security are handled by experienced auto locksmith technicians. Today’s market offers a wide range of car keys and lock systems yet most car keys are still manufactured using one of two production methods using either a production process wrench or a laser key cutting technique.

Mechanical cut car keys are considered the more traditional type and employ a unique cutting pattern on the edge of each key blade. This unique cut allows the key to fit into a car’s ignition switch in one direction only and creating or duplicating these type of keys is done in a similar technique to the one being used when cutting or duplicating a residential type home key. The process involves using a mechanical key cutting machine that is employed by certified locksmiths either inside their locksmith shop or on their mobile locksmith service vehicles. This key cutting method is cheaper than producing a laser cut key, yet most new car models employ a laser cut technique that offers higher security and are much harder to duplicate. That being said mechanical cut keys are still popular with some of today’s popular car makers including Ford, Chevy and General Motors.

car ignitionAs mentioned above, laser cut keys offer a more secured option. They can be clearly identified by their square edges and by having identical cuts on both sides of each key blade. Laser cut keys fit inside the car’s ignition switch on both sides and can be used to start a vehicle either way. Duplicating laser cut keys or creating them from scratch is a far more complicated technique and require a special laser key cutting machine. Furthermore producing these type of keys usually require additional programming via additional software that allow the locksmith to program unique electronic codes into the key as they communicate with the vehicle each time the customer attempts to open their car. Some car makers require locksmiths to contact them directly in order to obtain unique codes and additional information that is required to be programmed into the key in order for it to work properly.

Because of the complexity of laser cut key creation it is highly recommended that whenever a customer orders a new key for their vehicle, they make sure that they key actually works and opens up their vehicle to ensure that all of the steps involved in the key creation have been performed successfully and that the key actually works.

One notion that many people don’t realize is that only specialised car locksmiths have the card and chip reader and know how to use it. There are also only a minority of these specialised or trade qualified locksmiths available in most areas. By seeking these specialised businesses, you ensure the job is done right and the key works as it should for many years. If a key is made by a non trade qualified business, often they won’t work or they will work for a while and then stop. Without trade qualifications and the right card and chip reader and the knowledge of how to use it properly, keys are very often only half programmed. This in time will cause the driver more hassle and quite likely leave them very angry.